How to hire a sheet metal installer

How to hire a sheet metal installer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step sheet metal installer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a sheet metal installer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal installer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a sheet metal installer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your sheet metal installer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a sheet metal installer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A sheet metal installer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, sheet metal installers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of sheet metal installer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Sheet Metal Installer	Description	Hourly rate
   Sheet Metal Installer	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.	$14-26
   Gutter Installer	A gutter installer does the basic installation of gutters, inspects, and repairs them. An installer isn't afraid of enclosed spaces and, if need be, is comfortable making use of a ladder... Show more	$12-21
   Installer	Installers are assigned to assemble equipment or fixtures in the client's work or home area. They should have extensive knowledge of the product they will install to ensure it works as intended... Show more	$14-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HVAC
   • OSHA
   • Product Specifications
   • Ladders
   • Hand Tools
   • Roofing
   • Construction Sites
   • Plumbing
   • Drill Holes
   • Heat Pumps
   • Commercial Buildings
   • Reference Lines
   • Tape Measure
   • Exhaust Fans

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Enforce all OSHA safety regulations and instill EEOC compliance.
   • Experience with industry welding techniques; including TIG and MIG.
   • Install heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings.
   • Lay out and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, using scribers, dividers, squares and rulers.
   • Apply caulk using caulking guns.
   • Hang low and medium pressure VAV boxes.

   More sheet metal installer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your sheet metal installer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A sheet metal installer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a sheet metal installer in Oklahoma may be lower than in Massachusetts, and an entry-level sheet metal installer usually earns less than a senior-level sheet metal installer. Additionally, a sheet metal installer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average sheet metal installer salary

   $42,181yearly

   $20.28 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level sheet metal installer salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average sheet metal installer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$58,551	$28
   2	Connecticut	$55,144	$27
   3	Washington	$55,021	$26
   4	Delaware	$54,020	$26
   5	Oregon	$49,272	$24
   6	California	$48,799	$23
   7	Illinois	$47,079	$23
   8	Pennsylvania	$45,161	$22
   9	Arizona	$44,899	$22
   10	Ohio	$44,183	$21
   11	New York	$43,292	$21
   12	Utah	$42,893	$21
   13	Kansas	$42,150	$20
   14	Virginia	$42,121	$20
   15	Colorado	$41,860	$20
   16	New Mexico	$41,081	$20
   17	South Dakota	$40,460	$19
   18	Texas	$39,354	$19
   19	Florida	$35,816	$17
   20	North Carolina	$34,640	$17

   Average sheet metal installer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Flynn	$44,231	$21.26	18
   2	RK	$43,510	$20.92	6
   3	Aerotek	$43,323	$20.83	104
   4	Tradesmen International	$41,299	$19.86	117
   5	PeopleReady	$41,254	$19.83	5
   6	DL solutions	$40,619	$19.53
   7	APi Group	$39,287	$18.89	3
   8	MBS Solutions	$39,055	$18.78
   9	Southern Air	$38,803	$18.66	22
   10	Tecta Holdings, Inc.	$38,739	$18.62	17
   11	Mechanical Systems Service	$38,739	$18.62	3
   12	Alpha	$36,780	$17.68

4. Writing a sheet metal installer job description

   A sheet metal installer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a sheet metal installer job description:

   Sheet metal installer job description example

   Aerotek's client is a contractor for aerospace and manufacturing companies throughout Connecticut. They specialize in installing dust collection systems, mist collection systems, machine platforms and machine guarding systems for these companies and are seeking a skilled Sheet Metal Installer. A lot of the companies they work with have old machinery in their facilities so they need systems for safety installed so the machine operators aren't inhaling chemicals or exposed to hazardous materials or parts.
   
   Will assist with moving materials, using hand and power tools like a drill or sawzal to help install systems under the direction of an experienced installer.
   **Skills:**
   
   hand tool, Construction, piping, plumbing, welding, sheet metal
   
   **Additional Skills & Qualifications:**
   
   Motivation and ambition is key. They want someone willing to work independently. Ultimately they would like this person to become a lead Mechanic who is able to train another individual down the road.
   
   **Employee Benefits:**
   
   Aerotek's client is a small company that has a very special niche which means they are consistently busy. Most of their employees have been working for the company for a very long time--people that left have asked to come back. Management/leadership is good to their employees and they have a relaxed style. There is room for growth in terms of money and responsibility. They offer a 401k, health benefits and PTO.
   
   **About Aerotek:**
   
   We know that a company's success starts with its employees. We also know that an individual's success starts with the right career opportunity. As a Best of Staffing Client and Talent leader, Aerotek's people-focused approach yields competitive advantage for our clients and rewarding careers for our contract employees. Since 1983, Aerotek has grown to become a leader in recruiting and staffing services. With more than 250 non-franchised offices, Aerotek's 8,000 internal employees serve more than 300,000 contract employees and 18,000 clients every year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in talent solutions. Learn more at Aerotek.com.
   
   The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find sheet metal installers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any sheet metal installers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level sheet metal installers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   To find sheet metal installer candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as constructionjobs.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit sheet metal installers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal installer

   Once you've found the sheet metal installer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new sheet metal installer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a sheet metal installer?